Explore the South’s Prettiest Town

January 2005 - Nancy Nicholls

Civil War Trails, Canoe and Kayaking, Sailing, Guided Walking Tours and Trolley Tours from the Historic Edenton Visitor Center including our 1767 newly restored Courthouse – where the General Assembly has given permission for the NC Supreme Court to hold sessions twice a year, Garden Conservancy Tours, Pilgrimage of Homes and Gardens, Rotating Gallery Exhibits and Performances at the Chowan Arts Council, Antiquing and Self-Discovery Enrichment Workshops, Musicals at the Rocky Hock Playhouse, Matinees at the Shepard-Pruden Library, Aquarium and Aquatic Exhibits at the Edenton Fish Hatchery are all on the horizon for 2005. Events are woven into the daily activities taking place throughout the year making this part of the world a great place to visit as well as live.



The Edenton Womans Club will host one of their biggest fund-raising events on April 22nd and 23rd. The Edenton Pilgrimage takes place only on odd years in April and gives visitors a chance to tour the inside of some beautiful 18th and 19th century homes as well as their well-designed gardens. Twelve to Fifteen private homes will be on this year’s tour.

The recent purchase of Holladay Island only enhances the greenway/natural area preservation effort that is already taking place in our County. This island is directly across from the J. Robert Hendrix Park & Cannons Ferry Heritage River Walk and a great place for the addition of camping platforms that paddlers will be able to use while exploring the Albemarle Canoe and Kayak Trail System.

An inaugural event will take place on April 9th when the Garden Conservancy Open Days Series will host a tour of five of our designed private gardens from 10 am – 4 pm. The featured gardens will be Homestead Garden, Water Level Garden, The Gardens of Jubilee, The Garden at Hayes and Beverly Hall Gardens.

Everyone is very excited about becoming part of the newly developed North Carolina Civil War Trail Program. Our interpretative signage has been constructed on the shore of Edenton Harbor depicting the Battle of the Albemarle and this sign is in close proximity to the “St. Paul”, one of the four cannon cast from bells donated by Edenton churches, giving visitors an overview of Edenton during the War.

East Coast Flat Water Canoe and Kayak Sanctioned Races will kick-off the Community Music and Water Festival on Saturday, June 18th. This event combines on the water activities of paddling, sailing and demonstrations that all ages can participate in with talented musicians entertaining, great food and new-initiative 4-H games. Commercial vendors will be on board just in case anyone wants to purchase a canoe, kayak or sunfish for their personal, all the time use.

Tradition comes into play when fall arrives on the scene with the Peanut Festival, Chowan County Regional Fair and Bass Fishing Tournaments. This year, Edenton will host the North Carolina Bass Federation State Championship on October 6 – 8th. We are excited about having excellent anglers from all over the state fishing our waterways finding their favorite spots and getting ready for the big event. From what we understand, qualification is needed or this event. Our Holiday Season is always ushered in with the Annual Candlelight Tour Weekend when residents decorate beautifully and open their doors year after year in a most hospitable way.



While touring our many neighbors throughout the Albemarle, by water or land, you may want to stop by the “South’s Prettiest Town” and experience our extraordinary history, natural beauty, architecture, fine accommodations, restaurants, downtown shopping and small town charm. Give us a call at 1-800-775-0111, 252-482-3400 or visit us at: visitedenton.com. Historic Edenton State Historic Site is a member of the Historic Albemarle Tour organization marketing and promoting 17 counties within Northeastern North Carolina. This tour has helped thousands of people follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and pirates, soldiers and slaves, sea captains and colonists. To learn more, visit historicnenc.com.